Zhi Xuan Yew Email
: yzxuan98@outlook.com
UK phone number
: +44 7858976055
Malaysian phone number
: +60 124166272
The Forest The project, titled “The Forest“ is a response to the existing issues of the oversaturation of toursim in the area of the Île de la Cité, as well as a statement towards Viollet-le-Duc’s concept and definition of experimental preservation. Viewing the fire at the Notre Dame cathedral as a ‘death‘ of a heritage, and the partial destruction of a significant historical icon, the project aims to reintroduce life into the island through the use of a ‘forest‘. This idea is meant in both the figurative and literal sense, as more public spaces that are welcoming to both tourists and locals will be introduced through the masterplan. The increase in well-designed public spaces also serves to disperse the high denisty of tourists in certain areas of the island. The project aims to terraform much of the island’s public spaces, converting the entire island to pedestrian-only space, therefore restricting the use of vehicles in the area. This also allows roads and parking lots to be converted in gardens and pedestrian pathways. The idea is heavily inspired by the river parks in Japan, which have proven to be a positive addition to the urban landscape. The centrepiece of the masterplan is the large park which surrounds the catherdral and the main building of the project. The building is designed in a way that allows it to blend in seamlessly with its surroundings, blurring the line between interior and exterior space. Multiple inner courtyards are present through the two-storey building, allowing for daylight penetration to even the deepest parts of the building. The use of a glass and steel frame for the outer facade allows the trees to be reflected onto the surface of the outer fabric, blending the buildings facade amongst the canopy. The low profile of the building is intended in a way to hide it in between the canopy, thus making it as if the cathedral is floating above a sea of leaves, further enchancing its gothic qualities.